Brad Birch, 55

July 1, 2014

Bradley Otteson Birch, 55, passed away Sunday June 29, 2014 at his home in the loving care of his daughter, Tiffany Dillon and his wife Carrie after a valiant battle with cancer.
He was born Feb. 23, 1959 to Paul Albert and Joyce Otteson Birch. His parents divorced and he and his mother lived with her parents at their farm at Moody Creek north of Rexburg, Idaho until age six when they moved to Idaho Falls where they lived until he married, eventually making his home in the Goshen area.
He graduated from Skyline High School in 1977 and continued his education at Ricks College and ISU. He took a break to work and start a family, later completing his bachelorâ€™s degree with University of Phoenix while working full time to support his large family.
He married Lisa Woodhouse and they were later divorced. To that union was born Tiffany, Christa, Bradley Max, Rachael, and Brennon. He then met and married the love of his life, Carrie Ricks. She brought to that union her children, Honey, Ben, Nathan and Jacob. Then together they had Dilan. Family was everything to him.
Brad worked for Ormond Construction, Roger Brothers, and the R.T. French Company for over 25 years as it changed owners to Pillsbury, and finally Basic American Foods where he ordered supplies and was active on the safety committee. He then worked at Idaho Treatment Group until the time of his death.
He enjoyed riding motorcycles especially his Harley, camping and traveling with family, old cars and food. He loved his family and was a very kind and gentle father. Brad lived frugally and taught work before play and often spent hours working overtime, shopping and planning ahead to make sure that Christmas and birthdays were memorable. He made lifelong friends everywhere he went. He was always able to lighten a tense situation with his quick wit and humor.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Carrie of Shelley; five children, Tiffany (Jason) Dillon of Rigby , Christa Labra, Rachael (Shane) Later and Brennon Birch, all of Idaho Falls, and Dilan Birch of Shelley; 15 grandchildren; four step-children, Honey (Phil) Bingham of Idaho Falls, Ben (Rachel) Singleton of Pocatello, Nathan (Amanda) Singleton, and Jacob Singleton of Idaho Falls. Also surviving are his stepmother Carol Birch of Phoenix; half siblings; Dal (Sheryl) Birch of Phoenix, Ariz.; Devin (Marcie Milner) Birch of San Diego, Calif.; Debi Birch and Denise Birch of Phoenix, Ariz.; and Darin(Kathy) Birch of Idaho Falls.
He was preceeded in death by a son, Bradley Max Birch; his mother, Joyce Elaine Otteson Birch; and his father, Paul Albert Birch.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Goshen Ward LDS Chapel, 792 N. 1090 E. Shelley. The family will meet with friends Tuesday, July 1 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10 to 10:40 a.m., both at the Goshen Ward LDS Church.
Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery under the direction of Bert Flamm Mortuary.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.flammfh.com.